Oct. 4, 2012
Ann Marie Trotta
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1601
ann.marie.trotta@nasa.gov
Rachel Hoover
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.
650-604-4789
rachel.hoover@nasa.gov
RELEASE: 12-72AR
NASA'S TECHEDSAT LAUNCHES FROM INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
Click image for full resolution.
A laboratory technician does some very precise measurements on the
tiny satellite.
Click image for full resolution.
TechEdSat measures only 10 centimeters across and cost less than
$30,000.
Click image for full resolution.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Aki Hoshide, Expedition
33 flight engineer, works near the airlock in the Kibo laboratory of
the International Space Station. The Small Satellite Orbital Deployer
(SSOD) previously installed on the Multi-Purpose Experiment Platform
(MPEP) is visible in the airlock.
MOFFETT FIELD, Calif.-- NASA engineers, student interns and amateur
radio enthusiasts around the world are listening for signals from a
small, cube-shaped satellite launched into orbit from the
International Space Station Thursday.
The satellite, dubbed "TechEdSat," was released at 8:44 a.m. PDT from
the new Japanese Small Satellite Orbital Deployer aboard the space
station.
TechEdSat measures about 4 inches (10 centimeters) on a side and
carries a ham radio transmitter. It was developed by a group of
student interns from San Jose State University (SJSU) in California
with mentoring and support from staff at NASA's Ames Research Center
in Moffett Field, Calif. TechEdSat arrived at the space station
aboard the Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle July 21 and the station's
Expedition 33 crew processed it for launch.
"TechEdSat will evaluate plug-and-play technologies, like avionics
designed by commercial providers, and will allow a group of very
talented aerospace engineering students from San Jose State
University to experience a spaceflight project from formulation
through decommission of a small spacecraft," said Ames Director S.
Pete Worden.
TechEdSat's mission showcases collaboration among NASA, academia and
industry to set the standard for future endeavors with small
satellites known as Cubesats.
TechEdSat is funded by Ames and NASA's Space Technology Program. The
total cost was less than $30,000 because engineers used only
commercial off-the-shelf hardware and simplified the design and
mission objectives.
For more about TechEdSat, visit SJSU's site about the mission:
http://www.techedsat.com
For more about Ames Research Center, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ames
For more information about NASA education programs, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/education
-end-